I am broadly interested in the evolution of vertebrate brains and behavior. Within that field, I am interested in general principles that are broadly conserved (such as brain scaling laws and ancient brain divisions), but I am also interested in understanding what makes specific taxonomic groups (e.g., humans, primates, birds) behaviorally and neurobiologically unique. I have approached this problem experimentally through studies on embryonic brains of diverse avian species but recently I find myself intrigued by the challenge of synthesizing experimental data that are already available (i.e., published). Presently, I am excited about finishing an undergraduate textbook called 'Neurobiology; a functional approach" and starting a new book (with Glenn Northcutt) on key events and innovations in the history of vertebrate brain evolution.

Charvet, C.J., and Striedter, G.F. (2010) Bigger brains cycle faster before neurogenesis begins: a comparison of brain development between chickens and bobwhite quail. Proceedings of the Royal Society, Series B. 277: 3469-3475.